1 Know your sources

The first step in providing reference services for digital archival materials is to know what sources are available and how to access them. You may have digital archival collections in your own library or institution, or you may need to refer users to other repositories, such as national or regional archives, museums, universities, or special libraries. You should familiarize yourself with the scope, content, format, and access policies of the digital archival sources that are relevant to your users' needs. You should also keep up to date with new developments and trends in the field of digital preservation and curation, such as standards, tools, platforms, and initiatives.

2 Understand your users

The second step in providing reference services for digital archival materials is to understand your users and their information needs. You should be able to identify who your users are, what their goals and expectations are, what their level of expertise and familiarity with digital archival materials are, and what their preferred modes of communication and delivery are. You should also be able to assess their information literacy skills and provide guidance and instruction on how to search, evaluate, and use digital archival materials effectively and ethically. You should tailor your reference services to your users' needs and preferences, and be flexible and responsive to their feedback and suggestions.

3 Use appropriate tools and techniques

The third step in providing reference services for digital archival materials is to use appropriate tools and techniques to help your users find, access, and use the digital archival materials they need. You may use a variety of tools and techniques, such as online catalogs, databases, search engines, metadata, finding aids, guides, tutorials, webinars, podcasts, blogs, social media, chat, email, phone, video conferencing, or in-person consultations. You should select the tools and techniques that are most suitable for the type, format, and location of the digital archival materials, as well as the context, purpose, and scope of the user's inquiry. You should also be aware of the limitations and challenges of using digital archival materials, such as technical issues, access restrictions, copyright issues, authenticity issues, or ethical issues.

4 Collaborate and network

The fourth step in providing reference services for digital archival materials is to collaborate and network with other library professionals and stakeholders who are involved in the creation, management, preservation, and dissemination of digital archival materials. You may collaborate and network with other librarians, archivists, curators, researchers, educators, publishers, developers, or users who share your interest and expertise in digital archival materials. You may participate in professional associations, communities of practice, conferences, workshops, webinars, or online forums that focus on digital archival issues and trends. You may also seek or offer advice, support, referrals, or recommendations to other library professionals and stakeholders who can help you or your users with their digital archival inquiries.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step in providing reference services for digital archival materials is to evaluate and improve your reference services based on your users' feedback, satisfaction, and outcomes. You should collect and analyze data and evidence on how your users find, access, and use digital archival materials, and how your reference services help them achieve their goals and expectations. You should also solicit and incorporate your users' opinions, suggestions, and testimonials on how to improve your reference services. You should use the data and evidence to measure the impact and value of your reference services, and to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your reference services. You should also use the data and evidence to plan, implement, and monitor changes and improvements to your reference services.

6 Stay curious and creative

The sixth and final step in providing reference services for digital archival materials is to stay curious and creative. You should always be willing to learn new skills, knowledge, and perspectives on digital archival materials and their use. You should also be open to experimenting with new tools, techniques, and formats to enhance your reference services. You should also be ready to adapt to changing user needs, expectations, and behaviors, as well as changing digital archival environments, technologies, and standards. You should also be enthusiastic and passionate about digital archival materials and their value for your users and society.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?